Parakeets feed on the nectar of Ipê flowers

There’s no doubt that the ipê is one of the most beautiful trees in existence. Its seasonal blooms are proof enough—just click here to see for yourself: https://pantanalagency.news/listing/ipe-the-natural-makeup-of-brazilian-forests/.

Now, it seems the ipê flower is also quite tasty—at least for Peach-fronted Parakeets (*Eupsittula aurea*).

A striking photo shows two Peach-fronted Parakeets enjoying a meal. Using their beaks, they pluck the ipê flower and suck the nectar found at its tip. The nectar is rich in sugars, vitamins, and minerals, complementing these birds’ diet.

According to ornithologist Milton Longo, birds from the Psittacidae family form pairs during the breeding season and stay together—which likely means this is a couple in the ipê tree.

Despite the beauty of this scene, these parakeets are considered agricultural pests due to their large flocks that feed on crops.

The species has also adapted to urban areas and is now very common in cities.

A Peach-fronted Parakeet can live up to 25 years.

WikiAves states that this bird measures about 25 to 29 cm (9.8–11.4 in) in length and weighs around 86 grams. It has a green head with a peach-colored frontal band, a bluish face, a greenish-yellow belly, and orange eye rings in adults (grayish in juveniles).

It is not considered a threatened species. Although common and abundant, it has disappeared from large areas of Argentina. However, its population has grown in other regions, possibly due to farming.

It is often sold and kept in captivity.

Timecode

00:00 to 00:06 – Close-up shot shows a parakeet plucking an ipê flower.
00:07 to 00:16 – Wide shot shows two parakeets.
00:17 to 00:29 – Close-up shot shows a parakeet plucking multiple ipê flowers.
00:30 to 00:38 – Close-up shot shows a parakeet plucking several ipê flowers.
00:39 to 00:44 – Close-up shot shows a parakeet dropping an ipê leaf from its beak.
00:45 to 01:00 – Close-up shot of a parakeet feeding on the nectar of multiple flowers.